Florida has once again made the list of worst drivers in the United States according to a recent study. However, unlike in years past, Florida did not make the number one spot this year. Florida ranked number one on the worst driver list last year, but the latest study moved the Sunshine State down to the number eight spot. Mississippi now tops the list as the state with the worst drivers, followed by Tennessee and California, which tied for the number two spot.
So, what earned Florida the eighth spot on the list? Some 2.17 out of every 1,000 drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and only 73.3% of drivers in Florida are insured, the lowest rate in the U.S.
On the bright side, however, fatalities have decreased by one-third since 1994. Still, Florida roads see about 1.47 fatalities for every 100 million miles driven. That added up to a whopping 3,200 fatalities in 2016.
Types of Car Accidents
- Rear-end accidents: The most common type of car accident is the rear-end accident. These can be the result of a variety of scenarios but are frequently caused when one car is following another too closely and the lead car suddenly stops, causing the car behind it to collide with its back end. The driver of the rear car is almost always found to be at fault.
- Left turn accidents: These accidents occur at intersections or when cars cross paths. When a driver attempts to turn left into the path of a driver who is going straight through the intersection, a left-turn accident is often the result. These accidents cause front-end damage and drivers and passengers often suffer from chest trauma or facial injuries due to the deployment of airbags.
- Head-on collisions: When two vehicles strike each other head-on, it is often the result of one or both drivers driving outside of their travel lanes. These crashes often result in serious injuries and even fatalities. These crashes frequently occur at high speeds which increase the incidence of severe injuries and fatalities.
- Side impact crashes: These accidents are commonly referred to as T-bone or broadside accidents. They result when one vehicle strikes the side of the other vehicle. Most of these accidents are the result of inattentive drivers and/or speeding. These accidents often result in severe injuries.
- Sideswipe accidents: When vehicles are forced to travel close to one another, it creates a situation that has increased potential for car accidents. Merging is especially dangerous as vehicles are required to line up while traveling at high speeds. This increases the likelihood of a sideswipe collision. This accident type results when two vehicles are traveling the same direction and one of them swipes the side of the other. Serious injuries are more likely to occur if one of the drivers loses control as a result of the impact.
- Single vehicle crashes: When one vehicle runs off the road and strikes an object or spins out of control on gravel or ice, a single vehicle crash may be the result. The driver is generally assumed to be responsible and at fault, although there are some instances in which they may be able to file a claim against a construction company if the road was not clear of debris.
- Multi-vehicle accidents: This type of accident can involve multiple individuals and a variety of types of vehicles. They most frequently occur on highways or in areas that are densely populated. Rescue workers may have trouble reaching the victims in the center of the crash, and vehicles are often struck multiple times, increasing the risk of severe injuries.
Florida, the No-Fault State
If you have been involved in a car accident in Florida, you may want to file a lawsuit to aid in recovering damages. However, there are certain things people need to know about filing such claims in Florida. First of all, the Sunshine State is a no-fault state. This means that anyone who has been involved in an accident must first try to recover compensation from his or her own insurance company. This rule applies even if you are not responsible for the accident.
There are a few situations in which Florida will allow a claim outside of the no-fault system. In these situations, the injured person may be allowed to file a personal injury claim against another driver or file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company. This is, however, only permitted when a permanent injury occurs, or injuries involve significant scarring or disfigurement.
Car Insurance Laws in Florida
Because Florida is a no-fault state, it requires drivers to have certain types of car insurance. All vehicle drivers are required to carry car insurance called PIP, or personal injury protection, that offers payment for personal injuries in the event of an accident. PIP benefits will cover medical expenses as well as some non-medical costs. These non-medical costs may include things like loss of income.
Drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 in PIP coverage. In addition, they must carry a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability coverage. Some states require drivers to carry bodily injury liability, but Florida does not require this coverage.
Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents
The statute of limitations for car accidents in Florida is important to consider when filing a lawsuit after a car accident. In most situations the statute of limitations is four years from the date of the accident, although there may be certain situations in which this time limitation can be different, making it imperative to speak to an experienced car accident attorney as quickly as possible. Failure to meet this deadline could result in the inability to ever file a lawsuit again for the accident.
Consult with a Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today
When you have been injured in a car accident, the last thing you need is to have to handle the confusing and stressful insurance claim process. The attorneys at Brill & Rinaldi have decades of experience and can handle your case and ensure that your rights are being protected while you focus on your recovery. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and begin the process of getting the compensation that you deserve.